PSYC 101 | PSYC101 Exam 4: General Psychology
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale - Portage Learning
1. Sarah has not eaten all day and is extremely hungry, yet she decides to skip a social
gathering to stay home and prepare a meal. Which level of Maslow’s hierarchy is Sarah
currently prioritizing?
A. Self-actualization
B. Physiological needs
C. Belongingness and love needs
D. Safety needs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In this scenario, Sarah is prioritizing her physiological needs over her social
needs according to Maslow’s theory. Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchy where basic
needs like hunger and thirst must be met before higher-level needs can be addressed. Once
these physiological requirements are satisfied, an individual can then focus on safety and
social belonging. This specific progression explains why Sarah ignores the party to focus on
finding and preparing food first. The theory suggests that human motivation is
fundamentally driven by a series of structured and prioritized biological requirements.
2. James is walking in the woods when he sees a bear; his heart begins to race, and then he
perceives the emotion of fear. Which theory of emotion does this sequence describe?
A. Cannon-Bard Theory
B. James-Lange Theory
C. Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory
D. Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The James-Lange theory posits that physiological arousal occurs before the
actual emotional experience is felt. In this case, James first notices his racing heart and then
interprets that bodily change as the emotion of fear. This theory suggests that we do not
cry because we are sad, but rather we feel sad because we cry. It emphasizes the
importance of the peripheral nervous system’s response in defining emotional states. This
perspective differs from other theories that suggest emotions and physical responses occur
simultaneously or require cognitive labeling.
,3. Mark is known for being very organized, punctual, and disciplined in his work and personal
life. Which of the ‘Big Five’ personality traits does Mark most clearly exemplify?
A. Conscientiousness
B. Agreeableness
C. Extraversion
D. Neuroticism
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Conscientiousness is a trait characterized by a high degree of organization,
dependability, and a strong sense of duty. Individuals like Mark who score high in this area
tend to be very disciplined and focused on achieving their goals. This trait is one of the five
major dimensions used in modern trait theory to describe human personality. Research
shows that high conscientiousness is often correlated with success in academic and
professional environments. It reflects how much a person is willing to follow rules and
maintain order in their daily lives.
4. A patient reports hearing voices that are not there and believes that the government is
monitoring his thoughts through his toaster. These symptoms are characteristic of which
disorder?
A. Major Depressive Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Dissociative Identity Disorder
D. Schizophrenia
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The symptoms of hallucinations and delusions described are hallmark
positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Hallucinations involve sensory experiences without
external stimuli, such as hearing voices that others do not hear. Delusions are false beliefs,
such as the irrational idea that a household appliance is a monitoring device. Schizophrenia
is a complex psychological disorder that significantly impacts a person’s perception of
reality. Treatment often involves a combination of antipsychotic medications and various
forms of supportive psychotherapy.
5. According to the drive-reduction theory, what is the primary goal of motivated behavior?
A. To maintain a state of homeostasis
B. To reach a state of self-actualization
C. To increase physiological arousal
D. To achieve external rewards and praise
, Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Drive-reduction theory suggests that physiological needs create an internal
state of tension known as a drive. The primary goal of motivated behavior is to reduce this
drive and return the body to a stable state called homeostasis. For example, the need for
water creates a thirst drive, which motivates the individual to drink and restore balance.
This theory emphasizes the role of biological needs in directing human and animal
behavior. It focuses on the internal biological pushes rather than the external
environmental pulls.
6. Which theory of emotion argues that emotional experience and physiological arousal occur
at the exact same time?
A. James-Lange Theory
B. Cannon-Bard Theory
C. Two-Factor Theory
D. Incentive Theory
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Cannon-Bard theory proposes that the thalamus sends signals
simultaneously to the cortex and the autonomic nervous system. This means that the
feeling of emotion and the physical reaction occur at once rather than sequentially. For
instance, seeing a snake causes your heart to pound and makes you feel afraid at the same
moment. This theory was developed as a challenge to the sequential nature of the James-
Lange theory. It highlights the role of the central nervous system in processing emotional
stimuli.
7. According to Freud, which part of the personality acts as the moral center and incorporates
societal standards?
A. Id
B. Superego
C. Ego
D. Libido
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The superego is the component of Freud’s personality structure that
represents the conscience and internalized ideals. it develops as a child learns the rules and
values of their parents and society. The superego often conflicts with the id, which seeks
immediate gratification of basic biological urges. It strives for perfection and provides the
individual with a sense of guilt when moral standards are violated. The ego must then
mediate between the demands of the id and the constraints of the superego.
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale - Portage Learning
1. Sarah has not eaten all day and is extremely hungry, yet she decides to skip a social
gathering to stay home and prepare a meal. Which level of Maslow’s hierarchy is Sarah
currently prioritizing?
A. Self-actualization
B. Physiological needs
C. Belongingness and love needs
D. Safety needs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In this scenario, Sarah is prioritizing her physiological needs over her social
needs according to Maslow’s theory. Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchy where basic
needs like hunger and thirst must be met before higher-level needs can be addressed. Once
these physiological requirements are satisfied, an individual can then focus on safety and
social belonging. This specific progression explains why Sarah ignores the party to focus on
finding and preparing food first. The theory suggests that human motivation is
fundamentally driven by a series of structured and prioritized biological requirements.
2. James is walking in the woods when he sees a bear; his heart begins to race, and then he
perceives the emotion of fear. Which theory of emotion does this sequence describe?
A. Cannon-Bard Theory
B. James-Lange Theory
C. Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory
D. Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The James-Lange theory posits that physiological arousal occurs before the
actual emotional experience is felt. In this case, James first notices his racing heart and then
interprets that bodily change as the emotion of fear. This theory suggests that we do not
cry because we are sad, but rather we feel sad because we cry. It emphasizes the
importance of the peripheral nervous system’s response in defining emotional states. This
perspective differs from other theories that suggest emotions and physical responses occur
simultaneously or require cognitive labeling.
,3. Mark is known for being very organized, punctual, and disciplined in his work and personal
life. Which of the ‘Big Five’ personality traits does Mark most clearly exemplify?
A. Conscientiousness
B. Agreeableness
C. Extraversion
D. Neuroticism
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Conscientiousness is a trait characterized by a high degree of organization,
dependability, and a strong sense of duty. Individuals like Mark who score high in this area
tend to be very disciplined and focused on achieving their goals. This trait is one of the five
major dimensions used in modern trait theory to describe human personality. Research
shows that high conscientiousness is often correlated with success in academic and
professional environments. It reflects how much a person is willing to follow rules and
maintain order in their daily lives.
4. A patient reports hearing voices that are not there and believes that the government is
monitoring his thoughts through his toaster. These symptoms are characteristic of which
disorder?
A. Major Depressive Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Dissociative Identity Disorder
D. Schizophrenia
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The symptoms of hallucinations and delusions described are hallmark
positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Hallucinations involve sensory experiences without
external stimuli, such as hearing voices that others do not hear. Delusions are false beliefs,
such as the irrational idea that a household appliance is a monitoring device. Schizophrenia
is a complex psychological disorder that significantly impacts a person’s perception of
reality. Treatment often involves a combination of antipsychotic medications and various
forms of supportive psychotherapy.
5. According to the drive-reduction theory, what is the primary goal of motivated behavior?
A. To maintain a state of homeostasis
B. To reach a state of self-actualization
C. To increase physiological arousal
D. To achieve external rewards and praise
, Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Drive-reduction theory suggests that physiological needs create an internal
state of tension known as a drive. The primary goal of motivated behavior is to reduce this
drive and return the body to a stable state called homeostasis. For example, the need for
water creates a thirst drive, which motivates the individual to drink and restore balance.
This theory emphasizes the role of biological needs in directing human and animal
behavior. It focuses on the internal biological pushes rather than the external
environmental pulls.
6. Which theory of emotion argues that emotional experience and physiological arousal occur
at the exact same time?
A. James-Lange Theory
B. Cannon-Bard Theory
C. Two-Factor Theory
D. Incentive Theory
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Cannon-Bard theory proposes that the thalamus sends signals
simultaneously to the cortex and the autonomic nervous system. This means that the
feeling of emotion and the physical reaction occur at once rather than sequentially. For
instance, seeing a snake causes your heart to pound and makes you feel afraid at the same
moment. This theory was developed as a challenge to the sequential nature of the James-
Lange theory. It highlights the role of the central nervous system in processing emotional
stimuli.
7. According to Freud, which part of the personality acts as the moral center and incorporates
societal standards?
A. Id
B. Superego
C. Ego
D. Libido
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The superego is the component of Freud’s personality structure that
represents the conscience and internalized ideals. it develops as a child learns the rules and
values of their parents and society. The superego often conflicts with the id, which seeks
immediate gratification of basic biological urges. It strives for perfection and provides the
individual with a sense of guilt when moral standards are violated. The ego must then
mediate between the demands of the id and the constraints of the superego.
